After 16 successful seasons, Fox’s summer reality mainstay So You Think You Can Dance has continually launched several of its contestants into dance stardom.
“Each season, the talent on So You Think You Can Dance reaches new levels and continues to create the most incredible routines,” Rob Wade, the network’s president of alternative entertainment and specials, said in a press release in January 2019. “The hard work and passion that goes into each performance is awe-inspiring. We can’t wait to see what season 16 has in store and look forward to bringing you a new crop of incredible, inspired and inspiring dancers.”
A rotating panel of judges comprised of Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, Adam Shankman, Mia Michaels, Paula Abdul, Jason Derulo and Vanessa Hudgens have presided over the competition through the years. Plenty of former contestants — such as the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Dominic “D-Trix” Sandoval — have returned to the show as guest judges, choreographers, all-star mentors and team leaders. Many former contestants, including Travis Wall, even won Emmy gold for their reprise performances on the show. In addition, Cat Deeley has served as the host of the reality TV show since its inception.
The SYTYCD stage is often just the kickoff for many aspiring dancers’ careers. Contestants from the long-running show have ventured on to other pursuits, from Broadway and Cirque du Soleil to Dancing With the Stars. Former competitor Allison Holker, for her part, authored the book This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light in 2025 and more recently announced that she is engaged to Adam Edmunds.
“It was the most romantic night of my life!” she wrote via Instagram in February 2026.
Scroll down to get updates on So You Think You Can Dance fan-favorite contestants who’ve become bona fide stars: